Calming and reassuring an anxious patient can be facilitated by:
Select one:
A. withholding unpleasant information until arrival at the hospital.
B. maintaining eye contact with the patient whenever possible.
C. positioning yourself at a level that is higher than the patient.
D. using medical terminology to ensure the patient understands.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Maintaining eye contact with the patient whenever possible.
Explanation:
When dealing with an anxious patient, one of the most effective ways to provide reassurance is through nonverbal communication, including maintaining eye contact. Eye contact fosters a sense of trust, understanding, and connection, helping to reduce the patient’s anxiety. It signals to the patient that they are being listened to and that their concerns are acknowledged.
Anxiety in patients can arise from fear of the unknown, pain, or distress about their condition. By maintaining eye contact, healthcare providers create a calm and supportive environment, which can significantly lower stress levels. It also conveys confidence and competence, which reassures the patient that they are in good hands.
Other options are less effective or even counterproductive:
- Withholding unpleasant information (Option A) can increase distress when the patient eventually learns the truth. Instead, providing honest yet gentle communication is key.
- Positioning yourself at a higher level than the patient (Option C) may feel intimidating rather than reassuring. Being at eye level or slightly lower is preferable.
- Using medical terminology (Option D) can confuse or overwhelm the patient rather than provide comfort. Simple, clear language is better for communication.
In summary, maintaining eye contact is a crucial strategy to help calm and reassure anxious patients. When combined with a soft tone, active listening, and empathetic body language, it can make a significant difference in the patient’s emotional state, ensuring they feel supported and understood.
Generated Image:
A healthcare provider gently reassuring a worried patient, maintaining eye contact with a calm and compassionate expression. The setting is a medical environment with a comforting atmosphere.
I’ve provided an explanation of the correct answer along with a generated image showing a healthcare provider reassuring an anxious patient through eye contact and a calm demeanor. Let me know if you need any modifications or additional details!
